1958 Ford Prefect vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 30 kg more than 1958 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford Prefect is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
